Garolite G-10

Everything You Need to Know About Garolite G-10: Properties, Machining, and Design Tips

About Garolite G-10

Garolite G-10 is a high-performance composite material that is commonly used in CNC machining applications. It is a thermoset material made from layers of fiberglass cloth that have been impregnated with epoxy resin and then cured under high pressure and temperature.

Garolite G-10 is known for its exceptional strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability, making it an ideal choice for applications that require high mechanical performance. It also has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for use in electrical and electronic components.

This material is resistant to a wide range of chemicals and has good heat resistance, which makes it suitable for use in harsh environments. It is also lightweight, which can be an advantage in weight-sensitive applications.

Garolite G-10 is available in various thicknesses and sizes, and it can be easily machined using CNC processes such as milling, drilling, and turning. Its high strength and dimensional stability make it a popular choice for manufacturing high-precision parts and components in aerospace, military, and industrial applications.

Subtypes

Garolite G-10

Garolite G-10 CNC machining produces parts that can withstand high-moisture or corrosive conditions. These combinations are common in marine industries where G-10 is used to make engine components like mounting brackets. It also serves as an electrical insulation and mechanical strength.

Surface Finishes

Garolite G-10 is available in two surface finishes: as-machined and bead blast. Each finish has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

As-machined finish is the natural surface finish that results from CNC machining processes. This finish is typically smooth and uniform with visible tool marks. As-machined finish is a popular choice for applications that require a precise fit or a specific surface roughness. The main advantage of as-machined finish is its precision and accuracy. However, the disadvantage is that it may have visible tool marks that could affect its aesthetic appeal.

Bead blast finish, on the other hand, is a surface finish that is achieved by blasting the Garolite G-10 material with tiny glass beads at high pressure. This finish creates a uniform and matte texture that is aesthetically pleasing. Bead blast finish is popular for applications that require a non-reflective surface or a textured surface for better grip. The main advantage of bead blast finish is its aesthetic appeal and improved grip, while the disadvantage is that it may affect the dimensional accuracy of the part due to the removal of material during the blasting process.

In summary, as-machined finish is suitable for applications that require high precision and accuracy, while bead blast finish is suitable for applications that require improved aesthetics or better grip. The choice between these two finishes depends on the specific requirements of the application.

Design Tips

Consider the material properties: Garolite G-10 has a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent dimensional stability, and good electrical insulation properties. These properties should be taken into account when designing parts to ensure that they can withstand the required loads and perform their intended function.
Avoid sharp corners: Garolite G-10 is a brittle material, and sharp corners can create stress concentrations that can lead to cracking or failure. To prevent this, it is recommended to use fillets or radii in corners.
Use proper cutting tools: When machining Garolite G-10, it is important to use the right cutting tools and cutting parameters to avoid excessive heat buildup that can cause the material to warp or deform.
Consider the finish: As mentioned earlier, Garolite G-10 is available in two surface finishes – as-machined and bead blast. The finish should be chosen based on the specific requirements of the part’s function and aesthetics.
Minimize internal stresses: Garolite G-10 can experience internal stresses due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the material and the tool used to machine it. To minimize these stresses, it is recommended to machine the part in multiple steps, using progressively larger cutting tools.

FAQ

Can Garolite be machined?

Yes, Garolite can be machined using CNC processes such as milling, drilling, and turning. It is a thermoset material that is composed of layers of fiberglass cloth impregnated with epoxy resin, which makes it strong and rigid, but also brittle. Therefore, it requires specific cutting tools and parameters to achieve precise and accurate results.

Can Garolite be cut?

Garolite can also be cut using conventional cutting methods such as sawing or shearing, but these methods may cause delamination or chipping along the edges.

Is Garolite the same as phenolic?

Garolite is a type of phenolic composite material. Phenolic refers to a class of thermoset plastics that are made by combining phenol and formaldehyde. Garolite is specifically made by combining fiberglass cloth with phenolic resin or epoxy resin. While all Garolite is phenolic, not all phenolics are Garolite, as there are other types of phenolic composite materials with different compositions and properties.